John had been out of work due to medical issues and, as is the case with many of our guests, he wasn’t eligible for any sick or comp time. He fell behind on his water bill to the point of it being disconnected. He was ready to resume working but knew he wouldn’t get a sufficient paycheck for two weeks. Working together with two other area agencies we were able to provide the funds he needed to get his water turned back on. He was working diligently to handle his challenges and we are thankful to our donors whose generosity allowed us to help his family in their time of need.

Recently we had the privilege of helping a young mother of three who came to us seeking assistance with childcare expenses. Stephanie is currently in nursing school and, despite facing numerous financial and family challenges, remains steadfast in her determination to complete her education.

She shared with us how much a nursing degree means to her—not only as a personal goal but as a path to a better future for her children. With limited resources and immense responsibility on her shoulders, her courage and optimism deeply moved us.

Thanks to our community’s support, we were able to provide her with one month of childcare assistance. Her gratitude was heartfelt, but what truly inspired us was her incredibly positive attitude in the face of adversity. Her resilience is a reminder of why we do what we do.

Every bit of support matters – and in this case, it gave a hard-working mother the breathing room she needed to stay focused on her future.

A young woman with a 3 year old daughter came in asking for dishes. As we learned her story, we found that she had been homeless for more than two years and was finally getting her first apartment. She had no furnishings at all. When we heard this, we went to work. We were able to provide her with towels, sheets, new dishes, utensils, glasses, pots, sheets, towels, a small air fryer and a coffee pot. She was overwhelmed with gratitude. While many of us take these things for granted, there is a community that can benefit greatly from a bit of hope. With the support of our benefactors, we are the link that can help make a person’s life just a bit easier.

David, a 65-year-old guest, came in requesting support with transportation. He had been walking approximately 2.5 miles each way to and from work due to his car being inoperable—the battery needed replacement, and he was unable to afford a new one. To ensure he arrived at work on time, David was leaving his home as early as 5:00 AM. Although he occasionally purchased bus passes, the nearest stop was still over two miles from his workplace, making his commute both physically taxing and time-consuming. He hoped that assistance with free bus passes for a week or two would allow him to save enough money to purchase a new battery.

To provide a more sustainable solution, we contacted a local auto repair shop to get an estimate for the battery. We were able to purchase the needed part for him, allowing him to restore use of his vehicle. This significantly reduced his commute time and supported his physical health and well-being. Support from our donors helped us make this guest’s life just a little bit easier.